Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Cary, NC (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Austin and Cary have a similar cost of living.

$1,655/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 2%
$91,461/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 41%
$512,700 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 2%
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ≈ Same
967,862
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $37,938/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Cary — common questions

Is Austin or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Cary?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Cary?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $37,938/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Cary details →

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